He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. (Prov 18:22 NASB)

If it’s in the Bible, it hast to be true, right? I don’t think it’s a stretch to read many of the Proverbs as generalities or statements about the way things should be. I certainly have known my share of people including myself who have disagreed with the above statement and sometimes with good reason in the individual case. Yet if a marriage is lived by God’s principles the Proverb rings emphatically true. I’m writing today to rejoice in the “good thing” that has come into my life and to publically brag on her a little. I hope it serves to bless her and not to embarrass her.

I was reminded what a treasure I have found this week as we celebrated her birthday. Though she has revealed the number in other settings I won’t presume to do so here. Suffice to say it was one that people celebrate as a milestone. Several months ago she started talking about wanting it to be special. Oh the pressure. What was I supposed to do?

I experienced some relief when she came up with her own idea. With our gracious pastor’s permission, she presented her vision for Mission Accessible, her fledgling non-profit organization promoting a network of churches like the one we attend. She said this birthday was to be about the launch of something glorifying God instead of herself. I never expressed my skepticism of that claim. It seemed to me to be still about her. It was a good presentation. You can hear it here. I should also point out that I’m with her all the way.

What really changed my mind was actually the next day, her actual birthday. I was going to do my best to make it special. By her request I had already taken the day off. I got up before she did and was prepared to serve her all day, not requiring that she even leave the bed if that’s what she wanted. She was going to surprise me. When she woke up, she wasn’t interested in breakfast. She wanted to get ready and go out. We did have a nice lunch, but what she wanted was to go visit some of our church members who are in a nursing home. It was a delightful day, and I don’t know if I have ever been more proud of her.

We all struggle with selfishness. For my birthday, I drug family in from across town to have dinner at one of my favorite restaurants near our house. She gave hers away. Now I have a real challenge before me. Can I match her for my upcoming milestone birthday? Linda has publically spoken of her struggle with a self centered lifestyle. This week, I saw more proof that she is determined to put that behind her and succeeding. She puts me to shame.

When I first got to know her, I appreciated her faith and trust in Yahweh. I saw a woman devoted to the truth and determined to live what she believed. I’ve never known anyone to so eagerly embrace each new thing the Lord teaches her. I’m still working on things I should have settled as a child, growing up as I did in a faithful household with exemplary parents. As time passes I learn to love and appreciate her more and more. Through all of our struggles and mistakes, God is building something wonderful. She inspires me to greater devotion in my own life. She is showing me how to live the things I say I believe. Truly I have found a good thing and obtained favor from Yahweh.